Robin Van Persie back to best as Manchester United brush aside Hull City at Old Trafford
ROBIN van Persie got back on the scoresheet after a disappointing run as Manchester United strolled to a 3-0 victory over Hull City at Old Trafford.
ROBIN van Persie got back on the scoresheet after a disappointing run as Manchester United strolled to a 3-0 victory over Hull City at Old Trafford.
Louis van Gaal’s side retained their place in the Premier League’s top four thanks to a third successive win secured by Chris Smalling’s opener, a Wayne Rooney strike and Dutch forward van Persie’s first goal in his last four club matches.
And with one defeat in eight games, plus upcoming fixtures against Stoke and Southampton in the next nine days, there is a growing belief at Old Trafford that United can secure a place in next season’s Champions League.
The hosts had the contest completely under control by the interval against a Hull side who have won just once in the league since the opening day of the season and are plummeting down the table at an alarming rate.
After 15 minutes, Rooney’s corner was headed back across goal by two defenders, forcing goalkeeper Allan McGregor into an unconvincing attempt to clear the ball which served only to push it out to Smalling.
The defender’s shot was struck well enough and although it appeared that McGregor might have kept it out, rather than help if over the line, referee Anthony Taylor used goalline technology to confirm the goal.
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The second goal followed a half of complete United domination, coming four minutes before the interval as captain Curtis Davis blundered in failing to clear Ander Herrera’s header, tapping the ball directly to van Persie.
The Dutchman laid the ball back to Rooney and he produced a superbly-placed finish from just outside the area, his eighth goal in his last nine games for club and country.
Van Persie added the third after more poor defensive play by Hull and a wayward pass intercepted by Herrera.
The United midfielder played the pass through for the Dutchman who scored via a magnificent left-foot finish from just outside the area.
Herrera was on the pitch as a 14th minute sub after a worrying early injury to Angel di Maria who limped off the field clutching his hamstring, a blow to United given his strong start to the game and the recent injury list that has plagued their season.
There is also an injury cloud hanging over Wayne Rooney.
“I think Di Maria was hamstring,” said Van Gaal.
“He knows his own body very well because at once he said he had to come off, so maybe it is not too bad.
“It is always difficult to say. We will have to wait and see. He shall be out for the match against Stoke for sure.”
Rooney was limping badly at the full-time whistle after a kick on his calf muscle.
“He had a kick on his calf I believe,” said Van Gaal.
“He then had a kick on his knee but it was not too serious because he said he will play.”
Originally published as Robin Van Persie back to best as Manchester United brush aside Hull City at Old Trafford